Gripping with the Thumb

[ShortAssassin]

I can't seem to stop gripping with my thumb. I've tightened my thumb hole using tape, but it just creates more pressure on my thumb. Tightening my thumb hole did bring my track higher which is good (it was really low before) but I still can't stop gripping. I feel like more tape will make it uncomfortably tight (maybe necessary?) so I wanted to check here before I tried it. Are there anyways to practice not gripping the ball that I can do at home, or anyways around the fact that I grip the ball?

[APheLion]

well i would say put more pressure at the bottom of the thumb, make sure during ur preparetion to have it tight but still be able to take the thumb out clearly
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When a house bowler misses the mark, misses the break point and strike, for many ppl its called a wallshot. When a pro does that its call adjustment

When a house bowler gets his finger stuck in the ball and fall on the lanes, for many ppl its called lame bowler. When a pro does that its called the Machuga flop! ha i like this one.

[Doug Sterner]

There are a few ways to stop gripping:

1. Make sure you do not need an oval thumbhole if you are using a round one.

2. Try changing your pitch in the thumbhole...add more forward pitch to help stop the squeeze.

3. If you must grip then squeeze with the base of your thumb (at the top of the hole). Do Not bend at the knuckle....that's bad :-)

4. Try using Ron C's Magic Carpet to snug up the thumb hole. It'll make the hole tight but not make it difficult to get out of.

5. Try the Turbo or Vise grip tape. It may add just enough tack to your thumb to make it not want to slip and therefore will make you stop gripping.

Hope I was of some help.
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Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Lane 1 Buzzsaw...The Official Power Tool Of Bowling

[ShortAssassin]

Thank AP and Doug. Not sure I'm ready to get my thumb re slugged and drilled differently, but I will try squeezing at the top. As for the Magic Carpet, I looked into it but it appears you have to buy the 10 piece set for $20. If I could buy a smaller amount I'd probably try it out.

[baltimora]

i don't know whether or not you have a big hand. i do not have either a big hand or a strong grip. my pro shop guru drills hole one size smaller than the size of my thumb and then drills again 1/2 way down with correct size bit. he then smoothes with sander which gives me nice tapered hole. i can hold ball much better now. when thumb changes adding tape is even more effective.
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[JohnP]

Send Ron C (Magic Carpet) a PM.  He will send you a free sample to get you hooked.  --  JohnP

[ShortAssassin]

Thanks for the responses guys. I PM'd Ron so hopefully I'll be able to give the magic carpet a test.